The move will help to improve the way the trust's assets are managed for the future so that patients experience higher-quality care.

Sheena Cumiskey, CWP chief executive, said: “As an organisation that is committed to innovative ways of working, we are excited to work with Ryhurst to make sure we can reinvest for the future.

"By working in partnership, we will look to make the best use of our estate to support high-quality clinical services that meet the needs of the diverse communities we serve.”

Stephen Collinson, managing director of Ryhurst, said: “We are pleased that CWP has chosen Ryhurst’s STEP model to assist in its objective of continuing to deliver excellent clinical services and high-quality provision of care.

“This is the start of an exciting journey for us both in an ever-changing healthcare environment and we really look forward to working together over the coming years.”

CWP and Ryhurst have signed the contract to signify to the start of the 50:50 joint venture now known as Villicare LLP.

Through Villicare, both parties will look at estate management services at CWP sites across the North West to ensure that the buildings and grounds are fully utilised and fit for purpose. The aim is to improve asset efficiency and help to identify any commercial opportunities.

Ryhurst’s model for partnering with the NHS, Service Targeted Estates Partnership (STEP), has been developed to help the NHS better utilise its estate, improve the quality of buildings essential for clinical services and provide an equitable solution for the taxpayer.